Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.18 |
Object Name |
Box, Ballot |
Title |
Ballot Box |
Artist |
Williams, Jonathan |
Date |
before 1810 |
Description |
Birdhouse-shaped wooden box with circular hole in front through which tallies are dropped to the right or left into separate drawers. The left hand side of the roof is marked "Reject," and the right-hand "Admit." Poplar case with pine drawers. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961). |
Label |
In the early 19th century, there was a movement to replace the English tradition of show-of-hands and vocal voting in the United States. Private-ballot voting subsequently became more common. From 1808 to 1840, APS members donated four ballot boxes designed for membership election. From 1808 to 1840, the APS received several ballot boxes designed for electing new members. Jonathan Williams, a nephew of Benjamin Franklin, devised this birdhouse-shaped box. A voter would insert his hand into the hole at the gable end of the box. He then would drop his ballot into either the "reject" or "admit" drawer, without revealing his choice to the other members. |
Material |
Poplar and pine |
Dimensions |
H-9.5 W-10 D-10.5 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century election |